All Metro Detroit Public Schools Close As Temps Hit Record Lows

DETROIT (WWJ) – Hundreds of schools in southeast Michigan are closed Tuesday as dangerously cold weather that’s been gripping the region for over a week hits an all-time low.

All public schools are closed in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer, Livingston, Monroe, Sanilac, St Clair and Washtenaw counties. Several colleges are closed as well, including Wayne State University, Oakland University, Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses.

U.S. Federal Courts in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Flint and Port Huron will also be closed Tuesday.

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Warning for the entire region, now in effect until noon Tuesday. After that, a Wind Chill Advisory will remain in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Temperatures in Metro Detroit Tuesday morning hit a historic low of 9 degrees below zero, measured at Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus. That breaks the previous record of 8 degrees below zero set back in 1977. And with the wind, forecasters say it feels much colder — between 25 and 30 degrees below zero.

Forecasters say temperatures will rise into the single digits Tuesday afternoon, with the wind chill readings of 15 to 20 degrees below zero. Temperatures will only drop slightly overnight with the wind chill holding strong.

Officials say exposure to such bitterly cold temperatures will cause frostbite in as little as 10 minutes. Prolonged exposure to these cold temperatures may also lead to hypothermia or death. If you must venture outdoors, make sure to wear a warm coat, hat, scarf and gloves.

Know before you go: Keep it tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest forecast during traffic and weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s. See the live, local radar now at this link.